Toto Wolff warns against Kimi Antonelli hype after third consecutive win in Miami

Mercedes Formula 1 CEO and team principal Toto Wolff has insisted that it is important not to get carried away with Kimi Antonelli’s success.

The 19-year-old driver successfully converted pole position into a win once again at the Miami Grand Prix. His latest victory marked his third consecutive win after similar success in the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix.

Antonelli had taken the lead of the drivers’ championship in Japan and has now extended the lead over his Mercedes team-mate George Russell to 20 points.

“Yeah, I hope he can continue on this positive slope. Most important is not to be carried away,” Wolff told Sky Sports F1 after the race. “We have a good car. Hopefully the upgrades work next race.”

While Antonelli is enjoying a string of success, Wolff argued that he continues to have a “fierce competitor” in his team-mate.

“But he has a fierce competitor in his team-mate also, who wasn’t happy with the track this weekend. So just important to keep both feet on the ground,” Wolff added.

Most teams brought upgrades to the Miami Grand Prix, but Mercedes, which has dominated the start of the season, is planning on bringing upgrades to the Canadian Grand Prix on 24 May.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes

Photo by: Hector Vivas / Formula 1 via Getty Images

When asked if it was good news that the Brackley outfit was still leading the pack despite the other teams’ upgrade packages, Wolff explained: “Well, sometimes upgrades don’t correlate with the stopwatch. So we need to prove that out. I hope we can.

“And this is going to be a development race this season. How much can you bring? Are you limited by the cost cap? All of these things will play a role.”

Antonelli’s win in Miami made him the first driver to convert his first three pole positions into wins. “This is just the beginning. The road is still long. We are working super hard and the team is doing an incredible job,” Antonelli said before the podium celebrations.

“Without them, I wouldn’t be here, so thanks to them and my family. I’m going to enjoy this one then get back to work.”

Photos from Miami GP – Sunday